NFL News: Falcons Officially Hire Smith as Head Coach

New Falcons head coach Mike Smith inherits a team who's best player is troubled corner DeAngelo Hall. (AI Wire photo)

Bet on the Super Bowl in the Bodog Sportsbook!

The Falcons officially found their head coach Thursday, signing Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as head coach.

"Mike possesses all of the key qualities we were looking for in a head coach," said general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

The Falcons then made another quick move, signing defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder from South Carolina to coach the Falcons defense.

VanGorder was the linebackers coach in Jacksonville in 2005, and worked under Smith.

Falcons backup and former starting Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich approves of the move.

"I've played against his defense more than anybody in the world," Leftwich said. "I did it every day in practice for four years. I think he's a great guy for the job."

Smith takes over a team that lost its starting QB due to illegal dog fighting, and lost its head coach to Arkansas.

Bet on the Super Bowl in the Bodog Sportsbook!

Other NFL News

• Tennessee wide receiver David Givens has undergone a third surgery to address a left knee injury suffered 14 months ago. He's appeared in only five games for the Titans.
• Bruising fullback and six-time Pro Bowler Mike Alstott announced his retirement after 12 seasons Thursday due to constant neck problems.